Veteran Property Tax Work Off Program

Overview

The Veteran Tax Work Off Program is open to a veteran, as defined by MGL Ch. 4 § 7 clause 43, who owns property in and pays real estate taxes to the City of Northampton. The program participant’s name must appear on the property deed. The program year runs from January 1 to October 31. A $1,500 property tax credit minus the required withholdings will be applied to the participant’s real estate tax bill in the following fiscal year, not current year’s property tax bill. Applications for additional years will be available in November of each year.

Program Requirements

Participants should work the required 125 hours* of service. Hours worked may not be shared with another family member. Each individual must fulfill the total hours of service obligation. However, the City of Northampton, based on need, may place the participant in more than one (1) job in order to fulfill the total hours. Individuals will be credited for any hours worked even if the 125 hours are not fulfilled.

*To receive the maximum $1,500 tax credit participants must work 125 hours. Working less than 125 hours results in a pro-rated tax credit based on the number of hours worked.

Eligibility Criteria

be a veteran of the United States armed forces (a form DD214 is required)

own and occupy the property as his/her principal residence

be current with property tax payments

possess and identify employable skills

complete the application and provide all necessary verifications

complete a CORI check and supply references (necessary for some placements)

interview with Veterans’ Services Agent

Only one (1) tax credit per family per calendar year is allowed

All hours of work must be completed by the participant and at the job site. No other person can work on the veteran's behalf to fulfill hours

Compensation

$12.00 per hour (MGL Ch. 59 §5N) (as of Jan. 1, 2018)

Participants will receive abatement for up to 125 hours of service. Any hours worked beyond the 125 hours cannot be accumulated for the Tax Work Off Program.

Maximum amount of abatement is $1,500 per person per fiscal year.

Money earned through the Tax Work Off Program is reportable income for federal taxes only. Participants will receive a W-2 form for the amount of money earned through the program.

Job Placement for a Tax Credit Position

Individuals will be chosen based on the best match between the applicants qualifications and the skill requirements of each job

Applicants will be interviewed by the department supervisor of the position for which they have been placed

There will be a two (2) week probationary period to assess the appropriateness of the placement

Program participants may not work for relatives who are City employees

Eligible senior citizens who are veterans can elect to participate in either the veterans’ or Senior citizens’ tax work-off plans.

Primary consideration will be given to first time applicants. Individuals previously chosen for the program may make re-application in subsequent years. No applicant is guaranteed a position. A lottery system may be used if there are more applicants than available positions

Time sheets will be filled out by the department supervisor on a weekly or monthly basis and submitted to the Veterans Services Director. A final accounting of time worked will be submitted to the Assessor.